Households have been warned that while the rubbish and recycling collections are set to continue during the coronavirus crisis they may not be collected at the usual time.

Cornwall Council said that collections will continue to be carried out on the allotted days but that times could be altered.

As a result the council has asked people to make sure their rubbish and recycling is put out by 7am on the day of collection and that it should be picked up by 6pm.

The council has closed all household waste recycling centres and suspended bulky waste collections at the current time.

Residents have also been reminded that households where there is possible Covid-19 infection they should take care with waste such as tissues and cloths.

The council said: “For households with possible coronavirus (Covid-19) infection there is guidance on how to manage your waste.

“Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths should be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put out for collection on your next collection day.”

Cornwall Council has also urged people not to flytip their waste while the HWRCs are closed.

Last week council leader Julian German said that there had been an increase in flytipping incidents when the centres initially closed but said that had reduced in recent days.

He said that any flytipping incidents were a “distraction” for the council when it was working to ensure the safety of vulnerable people in Cornwall.

Cllr German urged people to keep hold of their waste until the HWRCs are reopen to the public.

For more information about what the council is doing regarding coronavirus go to www.cornwall.gov.uk or email queries to covid19@cornwall.gov.uk